Why Not to Buy at a Home Show

If you’re in the market for a hot tub or swim spa, you may be tempted by the flashy signs and promised savings at a traveling home show or hot tub expo. Always remember the advice your mother gave you though – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

You Get What You Pay For

Products sold at home shows are brought in specifically to offer eye-catching deals. Don’t be fooled! Even if pricing says “today only” or “50% off if you buy today,” remember that they have likely inflated the original price so the deal looks better. Home show sellers can also save money because they offer no service, training, set up, or delivery after the sale is completed. Necessary accessories that may be included at a retail store, such as a cover, cover lifter, or stairs may not be included or even available. There may not even be a warranty if the model is an older floor model or refurbished tub.

In contrast, licensed hot tub retailers like Hydropool Waterloo and Hydropool Guelph will arrange delivery and set up, instruct you how to run and maintain your tub, and provide warranty service going forward. This can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the cost of a home show tub, but is included with every tub we sell.

High-Pressure Sales

Home show and expo salespeople are expected to get the sale as quickly as possible to maximize profits for the event. Often these salespeople don’t even work for the company they are selling for; they are professional “ringers” brought in just for the show. We’ve had customers come to us after the home show who were put off by the high-pressure sales tactics, and preferred to work with us on their own terms.

A hot tub or swim spa is a big purchase, and you should feel secure in the investment you’re making. Hot tub retailers should continue to work with you however long it takes – in Waterloo and Guelph, we are here to answer questions, offer expert advice, do a wet test, and customize the purchase to meet your needs. Whether you want to buy today, or in two weeks, or next year, we are happy to help.

Sitting in the Tub Isn’t Enough

Would you buy a car without taking a test drive? Probably not. Hot tubs are all designed differently, with seating styles, jet placement, and jet count varying drastically between tubs. You have to make sure you get the most comfortable tub for you, otherwise what’s the point?

A home show will probably let you sit in a dry tub. But if you want to get a true sense of how the jets work, if the massager hits that sore spot on your neck, or whether or not you’ll float in the lounger, we strongly recommend a wet test. In our Guelph and Waterloo showrooms, we have fully-operational hot tubs for you to try before you buy. We recognize the importance of this purchase, and want to make sure you’re 100% satisfied.

You Could Get Left in the Lurch

Chances are, after the home show is over, you’ll never see your salesperson again. If you have any questions, who do you call? What if something isn’t working? What’s covered by your warranty? Buying a hot tub or swim spa is a specialty purchase – you can’t go to just anyone for repairs and service.

Buying from a retailer gives you a point of contact. At Hydropool Waterloo and Guelph, you’ll see the same people every day, and we’ll probably remember you too, because we basically live here. You can have your water tested for free, get water care products and advice, and count on us for service for the lifetime of your tub.

No Customization

When buying a new Hydropool hot tub or swim spa, you can customize the tub options – colour, size, seat style, jet types, lighting, water features, etc. When buying from a home show, you will be required to purchase the model they have available. Do you really want to settle for less than exactly what you want?

Still not convinced?

We get it; it’s hard to resist if you think you’ll get a great deal. Head to the home show on the first day of the sale. Talk to some hot tub sellers, and see how you feel. Then, come visit us. We can walk you through why we think Hydropool is the best product available, and work out a quote on a tub you’ll love. You can even schedule a wet test that day – just call ahead and bring your bathing suits!

Contact us to take advantage of home show pricing, without the home show headaches!